Students participate in Career Paths in the Arts at the St. George Theatre

STATEN ISLAND, NY -- The St. George Theatre kicked off a special two-day program this week for Moore Catholic High School students interested in exploring career paths in the arts and entertainment industry.

Aptly named the Career Paths in the Arts Workshop, the pilot program immersed the high school students -- who already possess a love for singing, acting, or playing an instrument -- in information about careers in performing, and beyond.

"It was inspiring to see students take an active interest in what we see and do every day," said Sylvia Pace-Diaz, comptroller at the theater.

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Dr. Gracelyn Santos | gsantos@siadvance.com

The program, a brainchild of SGT President & CEO Doreen Cugno, speaks deeply to Cugno's passion for theatre arts and arts education for students.

"With our mentoring assistance, I want kids to figure out for themselves how to follow their dreams, and be successful no matter which aspect of theater they pursue,” Cugno said.

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Dr. Gracelyn Santos | gsantos@siadvance.com

The two-day program began with a presentation to the Moore students about the mission and different careers at the St. George Theatre. The students were divided into three groups, each with its own focus. Each group worked with a staff member for about half an hour.

"It's fulfilling to me when the students engage and ask me questions. I love being able to share my knowledge with the younger generation," said Pete Mastropaolo, production manager at the St. George Theatre.

Throughout the day, students moved around the theater for discussions and learning, from the lower level lobby to the mezzanine lobby, the box office to the lighting board, the backstage to the second mezzanine seating area.

"As the membership coordinator, it was a wonderful experience sharing with the students what I love to do and why I love to do it," said Dana Silvestri, executive assistant and membership coordinator for the theater. "I attended SUNY New Paltz and received a degree in communications. My entire life I loved to dance."

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Dr. Gracelyn Santos | gsantos@siadvance.com

One day of the pilot program was dedicated to the administrative duties at the theater, with workshops on the different roles regarding finance, programming, talent buying, working with agents, box office duties, marketing and advertising, digital and technology, fundraising, venue operations and restoration.

"This was such a great experience for our performing arts students at Moore Catholic," said Kristen Dalto, director of performing arts at Moore Catholic High School. "So often, the focus is placed solely on the singing, acting, and dancing we enjoy in a production. We often forget that there are so many people involved in producing a show.

"Our experience at the St. George Theatre also opened up other venues for students to pursue other than performing. One student mentioned that this workshop encouraged her to pursue marketing while another suddenly found an interest in lighting design. It is so important for students to know all of the opportunities that lay ahead of them so that they can continue pursuing their dreams."

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Dr. Gracelyn Santos | gsantos@siadvance.com

The Moore students were given a chance to speak about their dream jobs and their back up plans, as well as intended majors and minors. They were encouraged to follow their dreams and work hard.

"I enjoyed sharing my knowledge and experiences with the students, as it was an opportunity to showcase what it is that we do from nine to five that the public rarely gets to see or even understand," said Vincent Innocente, the theater's marketing and audience services manager.

Innocente further explained that although his dream job was to be in a rock band playing the piano, he majored in business and marketing, underscoring the value of minors in graphic arts, marketing, advertising, communications, education, and business.